Social studies · Grades 3–12

Messages & sources · Quick reference

Reference sheet for Grades 3 to 12: persuasion techniques in advertising and spot the opinion. Notice how an ad tries to persuade: popularity, famous faces, time pressure or feelings. Then look for real evidence about the product.

Make a worksheet

Rule and key idea

Persuasion techniques in advertising

Notice how an ad tries to persuade: popularity, famous faces, time pressure or feelings. Then look for real evidence about the product.

Which persuasion technique does this advertisement mainly use? “Everyone at school already has one. Don’t be left out!” → bandwagon

Fact or opinion?

Look for judgment words such as best, boring, beautiful or should. They usually signal an opinion.

fact: can be checked · opinion: a belief or feeling

Is this statement a fact or an opinion? “Mornings are the worst part of the day.” → an opinion

Spot the opinion

Compare the two statements: which one could be checked against evidence, and which one expresses a judgment?

Which statement is a fact that could be checked? → There are 12 months in a year.

Check yourself

Four practice questions on this topic. Try each one before you open the answer.

Which statement is a fact that could be checked? • Blue is a nicer colour than green. • Earth travels around the Sun.
- Earth travels around the Sun.
- Blue is a nicer colour than green.
Show the answer
Earth travels around the Sun. A fact can be checked with evidence and shown to be true or false.
Which statement is an opinion? • There are 12 months in a year. • Summer is the best season.
- Summer is the best season.
- There are 12 months in a year.
Show the answer
Summer is the best season. An opinion tells what someone thinks or feels; people can reasonably disagree.
Which statement is an opinion? • Mount Logan is the highest mountain in Canada. • That movie was boring.
- Mount Logan is the highest mountain in Canada.
- That movie was boring.
Show the answer
That movie was boring. An opinion tells what someone thinks or feels; people can reasonably disagree.
Which statement is an opinion? • Our school library has 2500 books. • Math is the most interesting subject.
- Math is the most interesting subject.
- Our school library has 2500 books.
Show the answer
Math is the most interesting subject. An opinion tells what someone thinks or feels; people can reasonably disagree.